Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A delightful and satisfying meal featuring juicy chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and tender broccoli all drizzled in a rich, buttery sauce bursting with lemon flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust according to spice preference
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter for the sauce
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all the ingredients, chop chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, measure out pasta and broccoli, and zest and juice the lemon.
Cooking Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Sautéing Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Broccoli
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender yet vibrant.
Preparing Sauce
- Reduce heat to low, add unsalted butter to the skillet allowing it to melt. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Combining Pasta
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the flavorful sauce.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese until nicely melted.
Garnishing
- Garnish with fresh parsley and chives. Toss everything together before serving.
Serving
- Plate and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Enjoy
- Savor each bite of this comforting yet vibrant dish.
Notes
Store leftover Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.